Creating The Perfect Basement Office Space

Creating a Basement Office Space

October 23, 2014 No Comments

As the work environment is changing it is becoming more common for people to work from home. However, if you do work from home and don’t have a dedicated work space it can interfere with your ability to work efficiently. If you’re looking to create a quiet work space consider building it in the basement. Here are several tips to help you create the perfect basement office space: No Distractions It is important to be free of distractions when working from home. Look for a quiet corner in your basement where you can add several walls and a door. Ottawa contractors can help you with this process as they can find the ideal spot as well as help minimize costs and maximize space for the perfect, quiet home office. As well, it is also a good idea to fund a source of natural light so you don’t feel cut off from the rest of the world. Add Carpet When working a long day it is important that you are as comfortable as possible. Ottawa contractors can make this happen by properly insulating your walls and by adding new carpet. This will keep you warm and cozy as well as help absorb sounds such as the television or music that may be playing elsewhere in the home. Paint Not all work spaces need to be drab and dreary. Paint the room a calm, neutral colour to ensure a relaxing, stress-free work environment. The neutral colours will help balance out the other non-work related stress, clearing up your mind for the work day. Consider hanging pictures on the walls and adding other finishing touches such as an area rug. Guest seating can complete the look of your home office while providing a place for clients to sit during meetings. Custom Desk When finishing your basement Ottawa contractors can design and install a customized desk that will suit all of your work needs. The desk can be made with plenty of storage and surface space as required. This option tends to be far more affordable then trying to buy and accommodate new office furniture that may not even function the way you need it to. You can sit down with Ottawa contractors and design something that will work well with you, rather than against you. Your contractor will consider all of your equipment and create the perfect layout for improved productivity. A basement office can provide the perfect work space when working from home. You will have much needed privacy free of distraction with a custom designed work area made to suit your needs. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

5 Upgrades that Can Sell Your Home

October 16, 2014 No Comments

If you want to avoid having your home sit on the market for months, here are five upgrades that can sell your home: Fresh Paint You have probably been living with the same paint colours in your home for years. Nothing brings a home back to life more quickly than a fresh coat of paint. You can take years off your home with this simple change. Use neutral colours to help potential buyers picture the home with their belongings so they can see themselves living there comfortably. Don’t forget about doors and trim. A fresh coat of paint on the walls can quickly make your old trim look yellowed and worn. Although paint is affordable it will bring the value of your home up substantially. Use professional painters to avoid unsightly drips for a clean and finished look to each room. Install Hardwood When it comes to the home renovations Ottawa buyers are seeking, hardwood floors top the list. Many homes feature hardwood throughout with the exception of the basement and stairs. If your home is older chances are it still has quite a bit of carpet and old linoleum. To compete with others homes in your area replace those outdated materials with beautiful, natural hardwood. Reface Your Kitchen Kitchens sell houses. An outdated kitchen with old cabinets and countertops shouts 80’s to potential buyers. When kitchen renovations seem too expensive you can reface your kitchen by adding new cabinet doors, handle hardware and inexpensive countertops. You can even do the work yourself with a fresh coat of paint or a new darker, modern stain on your cabinets. These are the affordable home renovations Ottawa buyers will love. They offer an instant update even though they are simply cosmetic. Finished Basement A finished basement offers much needed living space and privacy. Homeowners love finding unexpected treasures such as a guest bedroom and ensuite in a private basement area. This offers a place for guests to stay without interfering with the home owner’s privacy. Upgraded Bath A mobile friendly bathroom upgrade is very appealing to the growing sandwich generation. These buyers are seeking a new home to accommodate their own families and elderly parents. This type of upgrade makes it possible to care for elderly parents easily. Selling a home can be very competitive. These five home renovation ideas will make your home top the list of potential buyers. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

October 3, 2014 No Comments

It might seem a bit early to be speaking of holidays, but if you have big entertaining plans it is always better to be prepared before your guests come for a visit. Here are some renovation ideas on getting your home ready for the holidays: Guest Bedroom A guest bedroom could be better utilized as an actual bedroom rather than storage for unused clothes, unwanted electronics and unread books. You can easily turn the space into a welcoming sanctuary providing your guests with a quiet private space where they can go to relax, unwind, and sleep. Although guest bedrooms are often smaller spaces there are many ways you can make the space feel more comfortable such as painting it a warm colour, add soft lighting, and furnishing it with bedside tables, a desk, a small dresser and a comfortable bed for sleeping. Finished Basement Large family gatherings often include gaggles of children. Having a finished basement is a must when hosting guests and children, as they will have somewhere to play, and give their parents a bit of a break. You can look at additions such as comfy carpeting where kids can get down and play, a built in entertainment unit with a nice television and gaming equipment and if you do not have a guest room, consider adding built in banquettes that can be used as comfy beds to accommodate overnight guests. For the adults you can consider adding a wet bar and even a home theater where everyone can gather to hold a marathon of holiday movies and specials. Mobility Friendly Bathroom Family gatherings often include elderly people who may have difficulty using the bathroom. Additions to your main bathroom to make it mobility friendly can include bars near the toilet to make it easier to sit and stand, bars in the shower for overnight guests and if you have family members in a wheel chair you can even consider widening the doorway and including a sink that they will be able to reach easily. Updated Kitchen They say that every good party winds up in the kitchen and updating your kitchen will not only look better, but allow you to add some details conducive to entertaining such as an island with seating and a bar, Having your home renovations and upgrades completed before the holidays will make your home the ultimate place for family gatherings. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Preparing Your Home for the Cold Weather

September 26, 2014 No Comments

Ottawa residents are no strangers to harsh winters and getting your home winter ready is a must if you want to feel comfortable once that snow begins to fall. Tips for preparing your home for the cold weather: Check the Windows Your windows are not only designed to allow for natural light to enter your home, they also play a key role in keeping your home’s temperature comfortable. Windows can allow cold air to enter the home and warm air to leak, which means they are one of the first features of your home to check in the fall. Look for any noticeable issues such as separation from the walls, broken panes, loose or wobbly seals, etc. Use a caulking gun to seal up any obvious issues and if you feel an exceptional “breeze” consider speaking to the contractors Ottawa home owners hire to replace your old windows. Energy Star windows will keep you toasty warm and lower your energy bills to boot. Create Extra Storage Winter months can make a home feel very cramped, and with the addition of more layers of clothing, boots, hockey gear you’ll need somewhere to store it all, as well as your summer stuff. Fall is the perfect time of year to look for ways to introduce new storage space and organize your closets so your home stays neat. Consider adding closet organizers to your current closets or find a spot in your home such as the basement or entry to add new closets to accommodate your winter sprawl. Clear Entry Ways When the snow starts to fall you want to make sure you have easy access to entrances. Check the condition of your stairs and ramps for any signs of crumbling concrete and rotting wood as this can make entries very dangerous once the winter weather is in full swing. The contractors Ottawa home owners hire can make sure any issues with your entries are taken care of so you do not take the risk of anyone slipping and falling on your property. Drafts Your basement and attic are also vulnerable areas that should be checked for drafts. A contractor can ensure your home is properly insulated and also check the integrity of your basement to look for any issues. These tips will keep your home cozy for that long, cold Ottawa winter ahead. Why wait? Fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Creating a Warm & Inviting Living Space

September 11, 2014 No Comments

Homes can often feel cold, unlived in and unwelcoming, thankfully there are several things you can do to make your home feel more comfortable. By creating a warm and inviting living space, your guests will feel more welcome when visiting, and are more likely to drop by for another visit. Here are some home renovations you should consider when creating a warm & inviting living space: A Splash of Colour Using warm colours such as beige, yellow, orange and pink will create a cozy and comfortable space. There are many ways to use colour to create interest such as using a darker colour on an accent wall. You can also install a chair rail and use a darker colour on the bottom and a complementary tone above. Wainscoting and bead board in white also work well with warm colours. Neutral warms are ideal to create a relaxing environment whereas the use of bolder warms can add drama or even a touch of playful fun. Add Character Newer homes tend to lack character. The cookie cutter approach to newer homes does not provide the workmanship and thought put into the design of older homes. Built-ins, wainscoting and crown moulding add substance to a home and the addition of substantial base boards, chair rails and other millwork create a sense of history and architectural detail. Hallways are an excellent and affordable place to add wainscoting for a more formal look and bead board works well to add charm. Built ins are great for entertainment centres in living rooms and basements and formal dining rooms are also ideal for built ins used to display fine china as well as the addition of a buffet for storage. Crown moulding should be added throughout your home to provide a finished look filled with character. Fixtures and Finishes The home renovations Ottawa home owners appreciate include the addition of higher end fixtures such as updated lighting and fireplaces. Ottawa contractors can give you an idea of what will work best, and will work with you to find something within your budget. If you’re looking for an even more cozy feel try adding a gas fireplace to your living room, great room or basement. A bedroom with a fireplace also provides the ultimate retreat at the end of a long day. The home renovations Ottawa home owners choose are designed to make your home warm and inviting. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

The Top 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Home Renovations

August 29, 2014 No Comments

If you are about to embark on the home renovations Ottawa residents dream of, then you’ll want to be certain you understand the do’s and don’ts to avoid disappointment. Take a look at these suggestions for the top do’s and don’ts of home renovations: Do: Create a Decorating Idea: Going into even the simplest renovations Ottawa home owners undergo requires a good decorating plan to ensure the changes made reflect your sense of style. Measure: It all boils down to the old adage, measure twice cut once. You don’t want to ruin your entire plans by being off by an inch on your kitchen counter measurements. This is frustrating and worse, costly. Interview Contractors: You want to be certain you hire someone with the right skill set for your specific job therefore interviewing contractors is important in order to hire someone who can handle the renovations required. Have Contingency Funds: Even the best contractor in the world cannot foresee every potential problem that might arise during a renovation. Therefore it is important to not only have a budget but a contingency fund to handle any surprises that might arise. Organize: Make plans to work around the renovations so your family is still able to live as comfortable as possible until the work is complete. Don’t: Have Exposed Floors: When renovating it is imperative that you don’t leave your finished floors exposed, as many things throughout the process can damage them. Workers boots, heavy products and materials, and dust are just a few of the things that can cause a problem. Consider laying down old blankets or tarps to ensure your floors are thoroughly protected. Throw Out Receipts: Keep each and every receipt for everything you buy and every service you hire in case of conflicts or a change of heart. Buy Your Own Materials: Your contractor will get far better deals than you on materials. If you see something you like let them know and they will get it for you. Skip the Prep Work: Great renovations Ottawa home owners love start with great beginnings. Skipping the prep works just means you are starting with a poorly planned execution which can only lead to trouble down the road. Ignore the Accents: Factor in everything from light switch plates to lighting, back splashes to door knobs and everything in between. You don’t want to run out of money because you forgot about all of the finishing touches you will need from crown moulding to paint. Using these top do’s and don’ts of home renovations will help keep your renovations under control. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

The After Effects of a Bad Renovation

August 22, 2014 No Comments

From DIY disasters to hiring a contractor without the required experience a bad renovation can leave your home in unlivable conditions with dangers you might not even know exist until a tragedy occurs. An inexperienced or really inexpensive contractor can leave you with a bad renovation that could not just be unappealing to the eye, but also do serious damage to your home putting your family in danger. Some of the after effects of a bad renovation can include: Unplanned Costs Going over budget is actually one of the best of the worst things that can happen. However, this will affect you financially and put a real dent in your savings, hike up your credit cards, deplete your line of credit and worst of all could have a negative effect on your credit rating which can stay with you for years. Even worse is having your Ottawa renovations performed so poorly you have to hire a second company to come in to fix everything at your expense. This is one of the most popular techniques used by shady contractors, get in the door with low pricing, then hit them with every additional they can think of. Inconvenience Hiring a contractor without the right experience can turn your Ottawa renovations into a never ending nightmare with you living in turmoil as your contractor stumbles through the job for months, imagine living without a functioning kitchen or bathroom for months on end and the stress it will place on your family. When you hire an inexperienced contractor they might have every intention of completing your project and may even do a good job but disorganization, lack of funds to hire the right people for the job and overall inexperience in time management can mean months of inconvenience. In even worse scenarios the job might be completed on time but performed so poorly you have to have the job redone leading to more inconveniences not to mention the cost. Disagreements An inexperienced contractor is more likely to run into disagreements with the way things happened which can lead to the wrong work being done, the wrong quote being provided and often the wrong decisions being made. Any of these scenarios can lead to disaster leaving you in the lurch with a job you are not happy with and a bill you do not want to pay. Taking the time to do your research and being careful to recognize that the cheapest contractor is not always the best choice will help you avoid a renovation nightmare. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Finding a Trusted Contractor

August 8, 2014 No Comments

When you are preparing to make improvements to your home you are investing a lot of money to see your dream become a reality. This means you want to be 100 percent certain you hire a trusted contractor who will complete the project and avoid any disasters requiring a call to Mike Holmes. There are a number of ways to find contractors Ottawa trusts to lessen your worries including: Read Reviews If you want to find a contractor who has performed their services without any problems one of the easiest places to start is to read reviews. The internet is the perfect resource to provide you with all the information you require when it comes to outstanding service. You will find positive and negative comments on reviews from many different websites and a good place to start is often the contractor’s own website. They will offer before and after pictures as well as reviews and testimonials from their happy clients. You can then do further research by entering their company name and the word “reviews” and see what pops up. Word of Mouth Most stellar contractors build their reputation on their own hard work. This is where word of mouth comes into play. Ask around and find out if anyone has used any contractors Ottawa home owners had recommended to them or that they themselves would recommend you try. This will help you find a few names to contact as well as to do further research. Nothing is more convincing than hearing first hand from someone you know and trust that a contractor has performed a project well and you can even ask if you can stop by their home to see the work for yourself. Trusted Resources You can also look at the contractor’s website and see if they are recommended by the Better Business Bureau or are members of any associations. You can look for credentials for training and also research their name on search engines and see if there are any reviews. If you have the actual owner’s name you can check that out as well in case they have worked under different business names in the past that might reveal some shady practices. The more research you do the more information you’ll discover, whether it be raving reviews, or negative reviews explaining in detail the problem and situation. If you are thorough enough you are certain to find contractors Ottawa homeowners can trust. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

New Bathtub vs Tub Liner

July 17, 2014 No Comments

We highly recommend that when homeowners are going through a bathroom renovation that they replace their bath with a new bathtub vs a bath liner. This is for several reasons: Access to the Tub Drain, Overflow & P-trap Many bathtubs and drains are made from cast iron or other metals that can rust, rot and overtime the metal drains can become very brittle. This can cause the bathtub drain to break from trying to loosen it before installing a new tub liner. This same issue may occur when trying to tighten the new drain. The tub drain can snap without the installer having any idea of what has happened, and may cause either major or sometimes minor leaks that will not start showing up for at least a week or more. Access to the Tile Backer Board Many times we find the drywall where the tub walls meet the bathtub to be mouldy. When installing a new bathtub we completely remove this area giving us a good view of any mold or any other issues that may be a problem. When installing a new liner this does not happen, so there is always a chance there may be mold growing. Full Access to the Subfloor Over time the subfloor can weaken from moisture and regular use. It’s also the possible that the floor beneath your tub is not up to today’s standard building code if you live in an older home. By removing the existing tub we can check this for you and reinforce the floor if required. Tub Liners will Soon be Obsolete The majority of new homes or recently renovated homes feature some form of plastic (usually acrylic) bathtubs. Tub liners can only be installed over steel or cast iron bathtubs, this makes installing a liner on top of a plastic bathtub impossible. Resale Value Real estate and homeowners agree that a tub liner is not as appealing as a bathtub, and it does not add value to the home. In part, this is because potential homeowners are worried about water getting in between the bathtub and the tub liner, this is known in the industry as “soakers”. However, a new modern bathtub with custom acrylic walls will add the wow factor many homeowners are looking for. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

3 Tips for Your Basement Remodel

July 3, 2014 No Comments

An unfinished basement isn’t fun for anyone as it is usually left as a disorganized mess providing nothing but a dumping ground for old toys and holiday decorations. Instead of letting it go to waste here are three tips to follow when undergoing a basement remodel Ottawa homeowners love: Keep it Warm Basements tend to feel cold and unwelcoming when they are not properly finished. When going through a basement remodel stick to warm colours on the wall and select welcoming carpet or engineered hardwood to create a cozy space your family and friends will want to use. You have to consider your basement as additional living space and design it to create an inviting area perfect for a home theatre, office, guest room or a play zone for the kids. Choose plush comfortable seating with plenty of throw pillows to make the room perfect for snuggling up and watching movies. Make It Fun Whether you’re interested in creating a kid friendly zone or a man cave, it is important that your basement is fun, entertaining and functional. The basement remodeling Ottawa homeowners undergo usually takes some thought, as they choose what is best for them. Play areas, offices, man caves, and sports zones are just a few ideas of how you can turn your basement into a fun, functional living space. Other ideas you can incorporate into your basement include an arts and crafts table, a wet bar, pool table, air hockey or even ping pong depending on the size of your basement, budget and the design theme. Stay Modern Basements tend to date themselves quite easily, so try to stay modern by keeping up with the current basement design trends. Look at the latest lighting, flooring and design details available such as fireplaces in order to create intimate, cozy spaces that you will all love. You can also consider adding some high end features such as a full bathroom complete with heated floors, a built in sound system for your home theatre and a full bar complete with sink and wine fridge. As well look at modern storage systems that will allow you to make the most of your space. These three tips will make your Ottawa basement remodel quick and easy. Once your basement is finished you will have storage space that is organized and presentable as well as a living space you can use for the whole family to enjoy. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

4 Reasons Why You Should Choose RenosGroup.ca

June 26, 2014 No Comments

When Ottawa homeowners are in need of renovations, remodels or touch-ups to their homes they take time to find the Ottawa contractors they can trust. If you are looking for a professional, dependable contractor in Ottawa you need look no further than RenosGroup.ca. We are the Ottawa contractors that homeowners have been trusting for years to provide stunning upgrades and designs to create your dream home. Here are a few reasons you should choose RenosGroup.ca as your Ottawa home contractors: We Do It All Bathrooms, kitchen, basements, mobility, etc. That means you don’t have to hire one team to do your bathroom, another to finish your basement and yet another to install a ramp. You can speak to one contractor who will provide you with all of the services you need handling all of the best trades in the area to complete your job on time and on budget for complete peace of mind. Polite We’re extremely kind and courteous and pride ourselves on dealing with our customers in the same way we would expect to be treated. Each member of our team is trained to provide a specific service and understands the importance of customer satisfaction. You will see that we care about your project, your home, your safety and your family and we take the time to make sure you understand the process, have everything you need and feel comfortable having us working in your home. We Create Your Dream Home We make your design dreams a reality taking the time to listen to your needs and showing you what we can do to create the home you have always wanted. We understand design and will work with you to develop a plan that you will approve and then we will work diligently to complete each step perfectly down to the most finite details. We are not happy until you are happy. Local We’re a local business and take pride in our work having built our business on our reputation. We know that word of mouth is the best way to advertise our services and as locals we know that our work will speak volumes and therefore our work better be good! If you are looking for Ottawa contractors you can trust call RenosGroup.ca or visit our website to learn how we can make your dreams become a reality. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

4 Ways to Make your Kitchen Look Like New

June 11, 2014 No Comments

Not everyone has the budget to undergo the complete kitchen renovations Ottawa home owners require to complete their dream home. However, these four simple changes can help make your kitchen look like new: New Back Splashes It might seem like an under whelming prospect but back splashes can add a major impact to a dull and outdated kitchen. You can make a minimum investment for maximum impact by choosing even the simplest back splash such as white subway tiles. However, if you’re interested in making a bigger statement with a major change try mixing designs with matching colours and materials to create a stunning back splash unique to your home. There are so many choices it might be difficult to decide, however once you do decide between glass mosaics to stunning granite or marble you can take your kitchen out of the 80’s with the simple and very affordable addition of a fabulous updated back splash. New Countertops Even the most tired kitchen cabinets can suddenly appear brand new with the addition of upgraded countertops. Whether you opt for the stunning sparkle of granite or marble, or go for recycled glass products or even some of the excellent man-made materials, new countertops make an impact and design statement that is not easily ignored. When it comes to the kitchen renovations Ottawa home owners desire most, kitchen counters top the list and will upscale even the most tired kitchen. Refaced Cabinets You don’t have to go to the expense of tearing out kitchen cabinets that are in perfect condition but just look a little outdated. Re-facing your cabinets is an affordable and simple way to have a brand new kitchen with very little effort. With multiple design options available, re-facing will make it look like you have undergone a complete kitchen renovation in Ottawa. Updated Small Appliances Buying new major appliances can easily break the bank. However, replacing your small appliances won’t. Plan to replace small appliances one at a time starting with your microwave and then doing a new appliance each month. Look for items such as a new range hood, toaster, coffee maker and blender in modern designs using stainless steel or fun colours that will add punch to your kitchen. These four simple updates will take little investment to make your kitchen look like new. We’ve got an expert team of specialists, free in-home consultations, and transparent contracts. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

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